At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in food preparation and manage kitchen operations for a caring environment.
- Company: Join the Evergreen Day Centre, dedicated to supporting older people.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 36 days leave, flexible hours, and competitive pay.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a difference in the lives of older adults while developing your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: No formal qualifications required, just a passion for cooking and teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 981 - 1207 € per month.
About The Role
Evergreen Day Centre provides day care for older people with physical disabilities and early stages of dementia. We are seeking an Assistant Cook to join the team at Evergreen Day Centre on a permanent basis.
Responsibilities:
- To have responsibility in the absence of the cook for food preparation, ensuring the kitchen offers a healthy range of meal choices for our service users.
- To assist the cook in the day-to-day management and performance of the kitchen.
- To have responsibility in the absence of the cook for the kitchen budget, ensuring the service provided represents good value and expenditure remains within the allocated budget.
Contact
For further information or for an informal conversation about the post, please contact: Sue O'Dell - Assistant Manager Email: Susan.O'dell@islington.gov.uk Phone Number - Optional 0207 3542493
Our offer to you
We are committed to challenging inequality in the borough and as one of the largest employers we know that to look after the place and the planet, we have to look after our people. Our staff benefits include:
- Up to 31 days leave per year, increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service.
- A range of flexible working arrangements to maintain a healthy work-life balance, as well as a 35-hour working week.
- Learning and development opportunities to maximise your potential.
- Competitive pay and a commitment to paying all staff the London Living Wage at minimum.
- Excellent local government pension scheme.
- Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym memberships.
- Local discounts from restaurants, shops, health and beauty therapists, and more!
Please note: Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Islington Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.
Workforce Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable workforce, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Our workforce strategy places equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do, reaffirming our commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion.
We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel they belong and can safely express their thoughts, ideas, and challenges, without fear of judgement or discrimination. We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to any unlawful discrimination, harassment, or victimisation on the grounds of any protected characteristics under the 2010 Equality Act, including but not limited to race, disability, sexual orientation, sex, religion and belief, age, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, and maternity.
Any incidents of discrimination will be promptly investigated and addressed in line with our HR policies to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all colleagues. We use data to identify and address disparities, ensuring that our policies and practices are transparent and impactful in promoting a diverse representation of backgrounds and perspectives at all levels of the organisation.
We look at inequality through an intersectional lens, recognising that different aspects of someone’s identity can combine to create unique experiences of discrimination and disadvantage. We know that advancing diversity and inclusion is a continuous journey, and we must listen to our colleagues and learn where we can further improve.
We work closely with our Colleague Forums and Trade Unions, supported by active allies from our Corporate Management Team, to monitor and evaluate our practices, identify barriers, and empower colleagues to promote equality and inclusion in the workplace.
Every one of us has a role to play in making Islington Council a truly inclusive workplace. By living out our CARE (collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering) values every day and embedding the principles of equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our work, we can all actively contribute to empowering people and creating a more equal Islington.
Pre-Employment Checks
Any offer of employment will be subject to the successful completion of required pre-employment checks. These may include:
- Proof of address
- Evidence of any name changes (if applicable)
- Right to work in the UK
- Overseas criminal record check (if applicable)
- Satisfactory references
- Occupational Health clearance
- Evidence of professional qualifications or registrations
- DBS check at the appropriate level (if applicable)
Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts are subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service. The post is subject to enhanced DBS check with adult barred list, qualifications check and 3/5 years referencing.
Disability Confident Scheme
Islington Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria and we are committed to providing support to applicants who request reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process and throughout their career with us.
Assistant Cook employer: Islington Council
Evergreen Day Centre is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its staff. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, we offer generous leave entitlements, flexible working arrangements, and extensive learning and development opportunities, all while ensuring competitive pay and a local government pension scheme. Our values of collaboration, ambition, resourcefulness, and empowerment guide our mission to create a more equal Islington, making it a meaningful place to work for those passionate about serving the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Cook
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Evergreen Day Centre. Understanding their values and mission will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions related to cooking and teamwork. Think about how you can highlight your experience in food preparation and managing kitchen budgets, as these are key for the Assistant Cook role.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for care! When chatting with Sue O'Dell or during your interview, share why you love working in a kitchen that serves vulnerable people. Your enthusiasm for making a difference can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and serious about joining the Evergreen Day Centre team.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Cook
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking:When you're writing your application, let your love for cooking shine through! Share any relevant experiences or skills that make you a great fit for the Assistant Cook role at Evergreen Day Centre.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to match the job description. Highlight how your experience aligns with the responsibilities mentioned, like food preparation and budget management.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We appreciate straightforward applications! Stick to the point and avoid fluff. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you’re the right person for the job.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Islington Council
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the types of meals you might be preparing at Evergreen Day Centre. Research healthy meal options suitable for older people, especially those with dietary restrictions. This shows your commitment to providing nutritious meals and understanding the needs of the service users.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since collaboration is key in this role, be ready to discuss examples of how you've worked well in a team before. Highlight any experiences where you assisted others in a kitchen setting or contributed to a positive work environment. This aligns with the values of being collaborative and resourceful.
✨Budget Savvy
Prepare to talk about your experience managing budgets or resources in previous roles. Think of specific instances where you ensured cost-effective meal preparation without compromising quality. This will demonstrate your ability to handle responsibilities in the absence of the cook.
✨Embrace Diversity
Understand the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to an inclusive environment at the Day Centre. Share any experiences you have that reflect your respect for different backgrounds and perspectives, which is crucial for fostering a welcoming atmosphere.